An Essex Wedding news and ideas from around the county

Jewellery expert shares how to match your nails to your rings

Whether you're searching for an engagement ring for your partner or treating yourself to some new diamond earrings, there is so much to consider when it comes to finding the ideal jewellery. From complementary colours to chunky or more delicate styles, the experts at Abelini have shared four things to consider when purchasing new jewellery. Nilesh Rakholia, Director at jewellery retailer, Abelini, comments: "There are many factors to think about when it comes to buying new jewellery. Whatever the occasion, and whether it's a purchase for yourself or for a loved one, different styles and colours complement people in different ways - there's a perfect jewellery match for everyone!"

Southend's Beatboxing choir!

Southend Vox Chamber Choir is well-known for its ability to perform a wide range of music including pop, choral and swing; and recently the choir's members flexed their vocal talents even further to learn beatboxing! The award-winning Chamber Choir, set up in 2014, usually focuses on performing intricate pieces well suited to special events such as weddings, naming ceremonies and memorials. Always looking to bring a different element to their choral singing, they decided to expand their repertoire to include some beatboxing in some of their more contemporary pieces.

The Speech Surgery: funny photo inclusions yay or nay?

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches: My husband has been asked to be his brother's best man. We have lots of funny photos of his brother through the years. Should we utilise them in the speech? A decade ago, nearly every best man speech involved a PowerPoint presentation of embarrassing photos of the groom. These days are over. Maybe it's because social media now allows people to look back at laugh at their mates 'fedora' or 'drop crotch' years without needing to wait for a wedding. Or, maybe it's just because using PowerPoint is generally awkward and clunky anywhere other than the boardroom.

Don’t let your wedding decor go to waste: five creative ways to repurpose it!

With the time, money and effort you put into creating the perfect wedding setting for your special day, it only makes sense to make the most out of it, don't you think? If you want to give your decor another ounce of life but are not sure how, look no further. Experts at Diamonds Factory have shared five ways you can repurpose your wedding decor beyond the ceremony. 1.Get creative and repurpose your extra wedding invitations into a DIY project.

Houchins celebrates 10th year anniversary of weddings

This year is Houchins' 10th year anniversary of weddings! To celebrate it's hosting a Garden Party in its grounds - open to all of their lovely past and future couples as well as the general public. The venue will be offering a selection of delicious food, live music from Essex based Sister Sax & Three Mile Hill, face painting, garden games and much more. Save the date: June 9 from 1pm - 7pm. There will also be a prize draw on the afternoon for one of Houchins' past lucky couples to spend a night in the house which sleeps 14. To book you tickets please email info@houchins.co.uk or call on 01376 561448

Six things you need to insure when tying the knot

As wedding season draws nearer, couples are scrambling to tie up loose ends and ensure their special day goes off without a hitch. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, there have been 11K Google searches for 'wedding insurance' in the past month alone. The insurance experts at Bionic have looked into some of the most useful insurances to have for your big day. As of 2023, the average amount spent on wedding venues in the UK was nearly £8,000, meaning a significant amount of money would be at stake if the day were to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the venue. Similarly, the average spent on wedding videography and photography was nearly £3,000. In the event of any technical faults on the day, you could be at risk of memories of your special day not being captured, and also losing out on thousands if you weren't to take out cover.

Treat Dad at Pontlands Park!

Treat Dad this Fathers Day to a BBQ lunch with live music from the Pantasy Steel Band and garden games at Pontlands Park! Adult tickets cost £42.50* and kids - £25.50*. Pontlands Park is a family run hotel providing a unique combination of homely comfort and exceptional service. Built in 1879 Pontlands Park features Victorian period architecture perfectly balanced with luxurious and contemporary design.

Leading Celebrant says industry needs infusion of new talent

The UK celebrant industry is seen as boring and is ripe for reinvigoration, according to Richard Lavender, founder of UK Celebrant Academy, a new training company for modern celebrants. There is now much more demand for celebrant-led ceremonies than ever before, as people want weddings that reflect their unique stories and values. "Celebrants, unlike registrars, provide completely unique and personalised ceremonies, with no limitations on location or content. But there are a lot of celebrants who are providing boring cookie cutter ceremonies. The Celebrant industry needs an infusion of new blood that will bring energy, humour and fun to special days whether they are weddings, funerals, baby naming or vow renewals," says Richard.

‘The Speech Surgery’ with Speechy's Heidi Ellert McDermott

'The Speech Surgery' with Heidi Ellert McDermott, founder of Speechy & author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches' We're planning on having five speakers at our wedding. How do we make sure the speeches don't take over the whole day? Great speeches can add so much fun and meaning to a wedding day – but you can have too much of a good thing. Guests don't want to feel like they're sat at a conference, so firstly, think about how you schedule the speakers. Perhaps have a couple before the meal, two before the dessert and one (funny speech) after everyone's finished eating. You want your guests to interact with each other on a regular basis, rather than listening to a succession of speakers for an hour!

The Office for National Statistics: journeying through modern life

The Office for National Statistics has published an article exploring life's most important milestones and how they have changed over time. Using a range of data sources, the article looks at key life events such when people enter the workforce, get married, and earn the most money. Kerry Gadsdon, from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said: "Everyone's journey through adulthood is different, but we can use a range of data to explore key events in life. We've examined how these milestones of adulthood have changed over the past decade and can see how society is shifting. "In England and Wales, people are doing many things later in life; like leaving their parent's home, getting married, and retiring. But not everything has changed. Most people still enter the workforce at 23-24 years old and make the most money in their 30s to 50s."

Say 'I Do' to style and sustainability: Discover Art of Couture's chic wedding dress rentals

Hey future brides! If you're scouting for a standout wedding gown that won't break your budget, you've got to check out Romford-based Art of Couture. It's spearheaded by the super talented Ukrainian designer, Kateryna Orlovska, who brings a touch of magic to the bridal scene in the UK. What's super cool about them? You get to design a custom gown that's uniquely yours, and yes, you can rent it! This concept is super fresh—Art of Couture is riding the wave of the wedding dress rental trend that's gaining momentum in the UK. It's perfect for those of you who want to look absolutely stunning without the hefty price tag or the worry of what to do with the dress post-wedding. It's a savvy choice in today's eco-conscious world because, let's be honest, more brides are looking for sustainable and budget-friendly options. By opting to rent, you help reduce waste and keep your wedding green.

These are the UK’s most popular manor house wedding venues for Bridgerton-inspired ceremonies!

As we all wait in anticipation for tonight's first episode of season three of Bridgerton to hit our screens, we're ready to immerse ourselves in Regency splendour once again. If you're engaged, in the throws of wedding planning, there's so much to be inspired by when watching this hit series. New data collected by ethical jewellery brand Sacet has revealed the top manor house wedding venues across the UK that would make the perfect location for a Bridgerton-inspired ceremony. By analysing a number of factors, including number of reviews, professionalism, quality of service and value for money, of over 230 wedding venues that offer manor house weddings in the UK, the top 20 were revealed.

Make sure your big day is protected

A wedding is a special day for a couple, but it can also be an expensive one. Between venues, caterers, photographers, dresses, and entertainment, the costs can add up. For those planning a wedding, it's important you insure yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day. For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day to make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.

Be inspired... St Osyth Priory

Shot by Photographer Liam Gillan on a crisp autumn day, a team of local suppliers worked together to create this stunning styled shoot at the majestic St Osyth Priory. The origins of the St Osyth Priory Estate date back more than 1,400 years, spanning tales of myth and legend which still resonate today. The venue was the perfect backdrop for shoot organiser, Lexi Brownfield to execute her vision - a dreamy, warm, autumnal feel steeped in romance.

New vases from BHS to elevate big-day styling

BHS is delighted to present its newest offering for 2024, a collection of glass vases in an array of beautiful styles, shades and sizes. The extensive and diverse range caters to all interior schemes, revitalising the home with a fusion of modern sophistication and timeless charm that redefines home decor - making them perfect for big-day gift lists or thank you gifts. Alternatively, the range would also make gorgeous vessels for table centrepieces for your wedding blooms, which you can the recycle after the day and use for years to come.

WoodWick® reveals its latest collections

WoodWick® reveals its latest collection designed to effortlessly elevate the home with its unique fragrances and contemporary designs - perfect for big-day gifting. What's more, the gorgeous colour palettes would also suit spring and summer wedding themes adding aroma to your ceremony or reception, evoking memories of your wedding day for years to come. Created to make a statement with its one-of-a-kind multi-sensory experience, the WoodWick® Spring/Summer 2024 range re-energises the home and adds an extra layer of sophistication. With the soothing sound of the crackling wicks, and trend forward scents evocative of the brighter days ahead, this collection is sure to add a bold, yet stylish, touch to the home.

Calling all hens and stags!

Searching for a last-minute Essex night out to celebrate those last few weeks of singledom? Love Nineties and Noughties dance music and want to relive days at your favourite club when you didn't have a care in the world? Say hello to Ultra 90s vs 2000s, heading to Braintree theatre The Institute on Saturday 15th June. Take a spectacular trip back to that unforgettable era of Dance, UK Garage, House, Chart, Club Classics, Drum n Bass, Trance and Hip Hop.

New Smeg products ideal for wedding gifting this season

Whether you're compiling your big-day gift list and looking for inspiration, or you're a guest attending a wedding in the coming months, these new items from Smeg makes wedding gifting easy! Adding to its of portfolio cooking essentials, Smeg has introduced its first countertop scales. The KSC01 Kitchen Scales are a welcome addition for both budding bakers and professionals in the kitchen. Joining the likes of stand mixers and cookware in Smeg's portfolio, the brand's all-new digital scales are both outstanding in design and packed with its advanced technology.

New cake stands launched in Spring pastel shades

Innovative UK cake stand brand, Prop Options has launched a new, sophisticated range of interchangeable pastel-coloured cake stands, giving couples and cake designers bountiful colourful options when it comes to displaying their wedding cakes. Known as the Reeded Stand, these pastel-toned contemporary cake plinths have removable top plates, allowing designers and couples to mix and match colourways for a truly unique, fun, yet elegant, design. Prop Options is bringing out six colourways in its Pastel Reeded Stand collection, namely pink, lavender, green, yellow, blue and 2024 colour of the year, Pantone Peach Fuzz. The stands are also available in white, black, and gold.

The Mrs Glam Showstopper

Showstopper is back and more luxurious than ever! Introducing Showstopper II - Face and Eye Palette. With rich and opulent shades, the Showstopper II Palette is perfect for wedding glam. It features a total of 25 eyeshadows with BRAND NEW colour stories - Essentials, Warm, Pinks, Bride and Cool Tones - complemented with four multi-use face powders. You'll be pleased to know you can pick up a palette from your local Essex high street including Boots, High Chelmer.